i am interested in buying a car i've seen, but the owner said he's changed the speedometer because the old one was broken. is this illegal? i know turning the mileage back on a car is illegal but is this too? i don't want to buy a dodgy car.
2007-04-11 04:06:29 · 17 answers · asked by thisisme 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Buying & Selling
It's neither illegal to change a speedo nor to alter the mileage recorded on a speedo (turning back). The only illegal act is when it is passed off that the mileage showing is the correct mileage.
On the basis the owner has told you that he had the speedo changed then he has done absolutely nothing wrong.
He should also tell you that mileage at which it was replaced so that you know the complete mileage the vehicle has done, then you can make an informed decision on whether to purchase based on condition
2007-04-11 04:16:22 · answer #1 · answered by Martin14th 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's perfectly legal and he's done the correct thing. The only possible illegality is if a vendor alters recorded mileage and misrepresents what's then shown as correct. That's why the garage trade usually adds a sticker stating that they cannot confirm the mileage as accurate (as they don't know what the previous owner has done). Previous MoTs may give a clue as to recorded mileage at the time, as will the service book.
2007-04-11 11:53:05 · answer #2 · answered by champer 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Changing a speedo is not illegal but it usually happens when the original piece of equipment fails. I believe you should ask for an official certificate specifying the mileage as at the date of the replacement's installation.
2007-04-11 12:09:59 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't think it's illegal to change the speedo if it's broken but I would think he has to have a true record of the mileage. Phone the AA and just ask their advice.
2007-04-11 11:10:01 · answer #4 · answered by jayne1653 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its a loophole that allows the speedo's to be reset.
But it also has its legit. reasons if a speedometer breaks. My mechanical one died in a horrible grinding of the little plastic gears once, so they DO break. Those are simply installed with zero as mileage.
.
2007-04-11 11:15:10 · answer #5 · answered by ca_surveyor 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, it is not illegal.
And neither is turning the mileage back, it is however illegal to claim that the mileage on a car is genuine, specially if you know otherwise.
Many used car garages disclaim themselves by saying that they cannot verify whether or not the mileage on a car is genuine, you should therefore assume it isn't.
2007-04-11 11:11:27 · answer #6 · answered by RRM 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
not illegal if disclosed to you - but what was the mileage when he changed it and how many miles are on the car now????? I would stay away.
If it was done at a dealer then they would put a tag in the drivers doorjam with the miles it was changed at.
2007-04-11 11:10:29 · answer #7 · answered by T F 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
for gods sake dont muck around with dodgy cars i was in a horiffic head on collision just 5 weeks ago and the car that caused the accident was 12yrs old the boys who smashed into us were killed instantly. Driving is a serious issue your life and others driving, lives are at stake.
2007-04-11 12:07:22 · answer #8 · answered by nmore 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No but you have to advise and potential buyer that the mileage on the vehicle cannot be guarenteed.
2007-04-11 16:37:50 · answer #9 · answered by coastalbobbybob 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Changing the speed is fine as long as they can guarantee that it shows the correct speed of the vehicle. Take it for a test drive and get some one to follow you and confirm speeds x
2007-04-11 11:10:40 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋